The days leading up to your dream wedding are filled with last-minute details. Plan the seating chart. Send the DJ your list of do-not-play songs. Fit in those final workouts. Try to check off at least two of the DIY projects you were a little too ambitious about from the beginning, because let’s be honest, there are some serious Pinterest rules that must be followed so your expectations don’t go haywire. If you’re like most brides in America today, you’re busy. How else will your favorite wedding blog decide to feature your big day?
As you navigate the stress of making sure your wedding goes off without a hitch, it’s your bridesmaids—the girls who listened to your engagement story over and over, traveled to every dress store in the city to find the perfect one, and probably threw you the best bridal shower—that made you feel loved and adored. After all the ways they have supported you during your engagement period, you will want to show a small token of your appreciation when they arrive on the morning of your wedding. Bridesmaid gift ideas are increasing in popularity, and with so many options out there, there are lots of great ways to get creative in your method of gift giving. Here are a few of our favorites.
Personalized Wine Bottle. For those weekend nights spent at home, with a glass of wine, and a long list of Netflix shows, a wine bottle with a personalized message is the perfect choice. Handmade by skilled artisans, this gift will make a lasting impression on your bridesmaids even after they finish the wine. Just like wine, the personalized message turns this present into a gift that only gets better with time.
Monogrammed Thank You Notes. Chances are your girlfriends are also in the middle of wedding planning or will be in the near future. It seems like once one friend walks down the aisle it’s a domino effect for the entire group. If they’re approaching the aisle soon too, you know they’ll need plenty of thank you notes for all those showers and parties. If so, go with stylish, personalized stationary for their bridesmaid gift.
Cosmetic Bag. Put all those wedding day beauty essentials they need in a new cosmetic bag. Because you’ll probably have your bridesmaids with you all day while you get ready, include the essentials like makeup remover, lip balm, Q-tips, deodorant and Advil. This is a cute way to create a wedding day survival kit!
Magazine Subscription. Really get creative and add your bridesmaids to a favorite beauty or health magazine. You can join many for a low yearly fee and this is a unique gift idea that will keep giving even after you walk down the aisle.
Satin robe. This present has dual purposes. Not only will your bridesmaids be able to pamper themselves throughout the year, they can also throw on their new satin robes as soon as they arrive in the morning so everyone matches in the group photos. If you’re not a fan of the matching look, mix up everyone’s colors. Choose styles and patterns that match the personalities of each of your bridesmaids. They’ll appreciate the extra thought that went into choosing a gift just for them.
Comfortable Flip Flops. Once the ceremony is over and the toasts have been made, it’s time to let loose on the dance floor. Giving a cute pair of flats or sandals is the best way to encourage your bridesmaids to dance late into the night, and offer a way for them to do it without waking up with blisters in the morning. Look for a pair of sandals that matches the bridesmaid dress.
DIY Natural Soap. If you’re on a budget, there are plenty of options to keep the price of your bridesmaid gifts low. Pull out your slow cooker and make a large batch of natural soap that doesn’t include any additives or fragrances found in most conventional soups.
There you have it: a list to get you started in brainstorming the perfect bridesmaid gifts for your best friends. This is the perfect opportunity to show them that you know this day isn’t all about you and that wedding planning hasn’t turned you into a monster. It’s an honor to stand beside a friend as she gets married to the man of her dreams, but it is also a commitment. The perfect gift is just one way to show them you appreciate all the time and resources they spent to support you on your wedding adventure.
